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Showing posts with label 2016 Audio Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2016 Audio Challenge. Show all posts

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway: The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall

This is a delightful story -- good plot, strong characters and well written.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country
by Cindy Woodsmall
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook; First Edition edition (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0307446530
AUDIBLE LINK
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-09
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Amish, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?


Review:
Beth Hertzler has tried to freeze her emotions since the unexpected, accidental death of her fiancĂ©. She is beyond the time to set aside for mourning but she can’t move on. Her friends and especially her Aunt Lizzy struggle to pull her into social circles again.

Beth works as a sort of sales liaison between Amish Craftsmen and Englishcers. She discovers a beautiful carving and is determined to help the unknown artist find an outsource. Beth’s bishop is not inclined to give approval as he views such carvings as “idols”.

Aunt Lizzy takes it upon herself to find the artist, Jonah. Jonah is a mature young man who learned the carving skills from his grandfather. Jonah has suffered his own traumas as a youth and, although he is happy his siblings have found strong mates, he doesn’t see himself finding someone of his own.

Lizzy secretly nudges the two into a writing exchange where they begin to share their hurts and dreams with each other. Beth believes she is writing to an old grandfather. Jonah at first thinks he is writing to Lizzy, a woman older than himself. When he discovers the truth, he knows that they must reveal the deception but he doesn’t want to lose Beth when she learns the truth.

This is a charming story of the harm of secrets and forgiveness. It is also a well told plot revealing the need to trust – first in God and then in those who love us. The letter exchange is quite beautiful and the author does a wonderful job of developing the characters and their relationship through this connection. I really like both characters who have strength and vulnerability. The supporting characters add to the story too. The story moves at a nice pace and is a quick read.

All my friends in Ladies Book agreed that this was a well written, engaging and wonderful story. We plan to seek more titles from Ms. Woodsmall. We highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Amish stories, and/or clean romance with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: Although I had this in print, I picked up the Audible to read (listen) quicker.
Cassandra Campbell does a lovely job with the narration. Her voice is soft and fits the tone of the story. Although the male voices are precisely male, Ms. Campbell manages to portray their rougher strength. She also captures the soft gentleness and loneliness of Beth as well as the quiet strength and tenderness of Jonah. I can recommend the print or audio version.

I won this book a number of years ago and picked it up for our Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for Mount TBR and 2016 Audio Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:
One (gently read) PRINT COPY
US or Canada Only


(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)
For 3 Extra Bonus entries
(a) comment on the review, OR
(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 21, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 1/22/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Audible Book Review: The Great Martian War: Invasion by Scott Washburn

This is an engaging continuation and enhancement, based on the original story by H.G. Wells.
The Great Martian War: Invasion
Written by: Scott Washburn
Narrated by: Ray Greenley
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-27-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Sci Fi, Alternate History
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Following the initial Martian invasion of England, President Theodore Roosevelt tries to prepare the United States for the potential of another Martian incursion. As the possibility of a stronger invasion is increasingly clear, the US government tries to mobilize nations to share information and technology to defend humanity. Newly minted ordinance officer Andrew Comstock has been placed in charge of developing new technology that has to be tested on the fly in a race against time if humanity is to survive.
©2016 Vincent Rospond (P)2016 Vincent Rospond


Review:
I must admit to being a bit confused when this started with Theodore Roosevelt as President. I was thinking of the radio broadcast from the 1930s. However, that was a broadcast adaptation of the original H.G. Wells’ novel, The War of the Worlds, which was written in 1897 and set in England. Recognizing that, this story fit right in as a sequel following the events of the original war.

This story is set in the United States in 1907- 08. It ranges from President Roosevelt and his advisers in Washington, to a teen farm girl running from the Martian machines in Arizona/New Mexico area. These characters are connected through the primary character, Andrew Comstock. Andrew is a quickly rising young officer who is involved with bringing the new weapons, tanks and armament, from the labs and factories to the battle field. One of the most interesting elements, I thought, is the point of view shared through the Martian characters which is set up as an effective hook in the prologue.

The early portion of the story focuses on the United States attempting to prepare for a second invasion by the Martians. Interestingly, the author also shows the thoughts of the Martians reacting to the wins and losses during the first wave of the invasion. The weaponry issues, failures and successes, are fitting for the time and totally believable.

The storylines of the characters are natural and engaging. The characters, human and alien, are developed with relatable personalities and none of them are one hundred percent heroic. They manage sometimes to stumble into successful maneuvers. Sharing the battle from the view of the Martians evoked some compassion even while still presenting them as the enemy.

The story moves briskly, first with backstory development, then progressing with good action.
It has an appropriate closing while leaving more battles to be faced in the next book. I plan to continue to see what happens next.

Audio Notes: Ray Greenley does a fine job narrating. He provides good, varied voices for the characters and conveys the fear, arrogance, awe and other emotions through the performance. The narration voice fit the time period nicely. Listening to this enhanced my enjoyment of an interesting story.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom for an unbiased review. It qualified for 2016 Audio Challenge.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Audible Review: The Chimes by Charles Dickens

This is another remarkable Dickens' classic.
The Chimes
Written by: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-11-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Classic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
The magnificent Richard Armitage (Hamlet: King of Denmark: A Novel) performs The Chimes by Charles Dickens.
This classic story is the second in a series of five Christmas books Dickens was commissioned to write - beginning with A Christmas Carol. A haunting tale set on New Year's Eve, The Chimes tells the story of a poor porter named Trotty Veck who has become disheartened by the state of the world - until he is shown a series of fantastical visions that convince him of the good of humanity. Though much different from and certainly a bit darker than A Christmas Carol, the moral message of The Chimes is equally poignant - touting the importance of compassion, goodwill, and the love of friends and family.
The Chimes was followed by The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and finally The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Trotty Veck is a poor man struggling in Victorian England as a message carrier, often timing his trotting with the beat of the chimes. The only real light in his life is his beloved daughter Meg. Meg is a charming young lady, working as a seamstress and falling in love with a young laborer. Meg has brought her father a rare dinner treat. Trotty is contemplating whether he should encourage the young couple to marry even though that would leave him alone. Suddenly several gentleman step out and malign Trotty for eating while others go hungry. They make him feel lower that low and as the old year ends, Trotty morosely questions 'just what are the poor worth?'

This story was new to me. As the audio started I was enthralled by the lyrical prose. I usually listen at night but I turned this off so I wouldn’t miss anything. After the beautiful imagery and prose in the beginning I was alarmed when the tone became dark and despondent. Of course, I should perhaps have not been surprised by that considering the author. There is just a little similarity with A Christmas Carol, including ghostly visions in the bells. The plight of the poor is once again vividly, and bleakly, described. I was very relieved when the ending came back to a message of compassion, goodwill, hope and love.

I do recommend this but forewarn the reader or listener to be prepared for some darkness before the light returns at the end.

Audio Notes: Richard Armitage's narration is excellent. He portrays the visual imagery perfectly with his lovely, fitting, British accent.

This was Audible's 2015 Christmas gift and it is a gem! It is part of my 2016 TBR and Audio Challenges.

Monday, January 2, 2017

MBS - 2016 Audiobook Challenge Completed

2016 Audiobook Challenge
My goal was MARATHONER which is over 50 so I met that goal.
(I did not get to my hoped for point of 75 as I was 5 short at 70.)
  1. (TBR) Audible Book Reviews: Three X Minus One #VintageSciFi Stories; Vintage Sci Fi; my ratings 4.5, 4.25 and 4.25.
  2. (TBR) Audible Book Review and #Giveaway: Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino; Sci Fi, Mystery; my rating 4.5.
  3. (TBR) Audio Book Review: Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives by Will Barrow, Isabel George; Personal Memoir; my rating 4.25.
  4. (TBR) Audible Book Review: The Very First D**ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
  5. (TBR) Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  6. (TBR) The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein; Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 5.0.
  7. (ABJ) Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous; Sci Fi, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  8. (ABB) Audible Book Review: Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance by Michael G. Thomas; Sci Fi, Space Adventure; my rating 4.25.
  9. (TBR) Audible Book Review: Classic Love Poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning and others; Poetry; my rating 5.0.
  10. (ABJ) Audible Book Review: The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1 by Andrea Perno; Fantasy, Young Adult; my rating 4.0.
  11. (TBR) Audible Book Review: Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14, by J.D. Robb; Mystery Thriller, Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.
  12. (ABB) Audio Book Review: Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1 by Sarah Noffke; YA, Dystopian; my rating 4.0.
  13. (TBR) Audible Book Review: Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck ; Christian, Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.
  14. (TBR) Audible Book Review: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 by Taylor Anderson; Sci Fi, Alternate History; my rating 5.0.
  15. (ABB) Audible Review: Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved by Ray Jay Perreault; Sci Fi, Short Story; my rating 4.0.
  16. (New) Audible Book Review: Good Fences: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III; Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  17. (ABB) Audio Book Review: Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III; Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  18. (ABJ) Audible Book Review: Derelict by LJ Cohen; Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.
  19. (New) Audible Book Review: Fire Touched: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9, by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  20. (ABJ) Audible Book Review: Dream Kisses: Romance on the Ranch Series Book 1 by Verna Clay; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
  21. (ABB) Audible Book Review: Redfall: Fight for Survival: American Prepper Series, Book 1, by Jay J. Falconer; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.
  22. (TBR) Audible Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells; Sci Fi, Teens; my rating 3.75.
  23. (Author) Audio Book Review: Bad Deeds by Robert Bidinotto; Thriller, Espionage; my rating 4.5.
  24. (Narrator) Audio Book Review: Dark Sanity by Paul L. Centeno; Sci Fi, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.
  25. (TBR)--Audible Book Review: Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) by Michael J. Sullivan; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 5.0.
  26. (Narrator) Audio Book Review: In the Mist of Killarney: An Irish Faery Tale by Robert McCallum ; Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  27. (ABJ) Audio Book Review: Pack: A Paranormal Romance Novelette by Jeaniene Frost; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
  28. (TBR) Audible Book Review: The Jewel of Dantenos: The FREE Lee Starfinder Adventure by Brian D. Anderson ; Fantasy, Adventure; my rating 4.25.
  29. (Author) Audio Book Review: Redfall: Freedom Fighters: American Prepper Series, Book 2 by Jay J. Falconer; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  30. (ABB) Audio Book Review: Making Amends by Melinda Clayton; Suspense, Drama; my rating 4.25.
  31. (TBR) Audible Book Review: Old Man's War by John Scalzi; Sci Fi, Military Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  32. (A2016) Audible Book Review: Enforcing Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 6 by A. American; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  33. (ABB) Audio Book Review: The Arrival: The Evaran Chronicles Prequel by Adair Hart; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  34. (Author) Audible Book Review: Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3 by E.J. Stevens; Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  35. (Author) Audible Book Review: Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4 by E.J. Stevens Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  36. (ABB) Audible Book Review: Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1 by K.B. Owen; Historical, Mystery, Amateur Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.
  37. (ABJ) Audible Book Review: Beware the Little White Rabbit Anthology; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.
  38. (Narrator) Audible Book Review: The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death by Carmen DeSousa; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
  39. (ABJ) Audio Book Review: Desolation by M.L. Banner; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  40. (ABB) Audio Book Review: The Christmas Kitten: A Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter Cozy Murder Mystery, Book 2 by Liz Dodwell; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  41. (ATBR) Audible Book Review: Daemon by Daniel Suarez; Sci Fi, Techno Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  42.  (A2016) Audible Book Review: Burning Nation: Book 2 of Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.
  43. (ATBR) Audible Book Review: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military Space Opera; my rating 4.5
  44. (ATBR) Audible Book Review: This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti; Inspiration, Religious, Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  45. (Narrator) Audio Book Review: Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2 by Rick Murcer; Forensic Mystery Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  46. (ATBR) Audible Book Review: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand; Biography, memoir, WWII; my rating 5.0.
  47. (Narrator) Audio Book Review: Unseemly Pursuits: The Concordia Wells Mysteries Book 2 by K.B. Owen; Historical, mystery; my rating 4.5.
  48. (ABB) Audio Book Review: Apocalypse Machine by Jeremy Robinson; Sci Fi, EOTW Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  49. (ABB) Audio Book Review: Tarah Woodblade: The Bowl of Souls Book 6 by Trevor H. Cooley; Epic Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
  50. (ABB) Audiobook Review: Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1 by Linda Bridey; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75.
  51. (ATBR) Audible Book Review: Grave Surprise: Harper Connelly Mysteries, Book 2 by Charlaine Harris; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
  52. (ABJ) Audio Book Review: Haraken: A Silver Ships Novel by S. H. Jucha; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 4.75.
  53. (ATBR) Audible Book Review: Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
  54. ATBR-- Audible Book Review: FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems by Kevin Morris; Short Story, Fiction; my rating 4.0.
  55. ATBR--Audible Book Review: Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde; Alternate History; my rating 4.5.
  56. ABJ--Audio Book Review: Loreena's Gift by Colleen M. Story; Inspirational, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  57. ATBR--Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn; Regency Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
  58. ATBR--Audible Book Review: Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
  59. ABB--Audio Book Review: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz; Christian, Historical Romance, American Revolution; my rating 4.5.
  60. ABJ--Audio Book Review: Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave; Crime Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  61. ATBR--Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia; Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
  62. ABJ--Audio Book Review: Only Ever You by Rebecca Drake; Mystery, Suspense, Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  63. ATBR--Audible Book Review: Swarm: Star Force, Book 1, by B. V. Larson; Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  64. A-TBR-- Audible Book Review: The Synchronicity War, Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr; Sci Fi, Military; my rating 4.0.
  65. A-TBR-- Goodreads Audible Book Review: The Prisoner of Cell 25 (Michael Vey, #1) by Richard Paul Evans; Action, Fantasy, Teen; my rating 4.0.
  66. ABB-Narrator-- Audible Book Review: The Great Martian War: Invasion by Scott Washburn; Sci Fi, Alternate History; my rating 4.25.
  67. ATBR-- Goodreads Audible Book Review: A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1) by Deanna Rayborrn; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75.
  68. ATBR--Audible Book Review: A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry; Classic, British Literature, Christmas; my rating 5.0.
  69. ATBR--Audible Review: The Chimes by Charles Dickens; Classic, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
  70. ATBR--Audible Book Review at Goodreads: In the Event of My Death by Michele Hauf (Goodreads Author), Debbie Irwin (Narrator); Mystery; my rating 4.0.
  71. ATBR-- hGoodreads Audible Book Review: The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, #1) (Abridged) by Robert Jordan; Epic Fantasy; my rating 3.00.
37 Through June.
53 Through September.
(Obviously lost track after that.)

Friday, December 23, 2016

Audible Book Review: A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry

This is a spectacular performance - great listening.
A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry
Written by: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Tim Curry
Length: 3 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-01-10
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Classics, British Literature
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary

This version of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, masterfully narrated by Tim Curry, was available for a limited time last year, and now it's back. This one-of-a-kind performance puts a unique spin on a treasured classic, and served as the inspiration for the exciting new line of Audible Signature Classics, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with Elijah Wood, and Heart of Darkness with Kenneth Branagh. Tim Curry performs this timeless holiday story in a deliciously dark tone, returning it to its Dickensian roots with a vivid imagining of Victorian London and just the right touch of outrageous fun.

A Christmas Carol has constantly been in print since its original publication in 1849, and has been adapted for stage, television, film, and opera. It has often been credited with returning the jovial and festive atmosphere to the holiday season in Britain and North America, following the somber period that emerged during the Industrial Revolution.

The story opens on a bleak and cold Christmas Eve as Ebenezer Scrooge is closing up his office for the day. As the story progresses and Christmas morning approaches, Scrooge encounters the unforgettable characters that make this story a classic: Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and, of course, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

Listen to more Audible Signature Classics now.
Public Domain(P)2009 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Most of us read A Christmas Carol when we were young. And there have been many video versions to enjoy. I decided it was time to listen to the original story with a unique narrator. It was wonderful to read/listen to this great classic. Of course, Dickens is a master writer. The language is ‘classic’ in its richness – great descriptions that put the reader right there in the scene. It has been a long time since I have read the 'original' and I enjoyed the strong message of transformation. In this listening though I heard more of the background messages regarding the conditions of men.

Tim Curry does a superb job of narrating. For one thing – I didn’t hear the Tim Curry I might have pictured or expected villains and dark). Yes, he carried the dark tone of the story but with so much more! I heard a spot on British accent which changed appropriately with the characters and expressed the emotions and enthusiasm at all the right points. Curry wheezes, gasps, chortles and cheers. He even shares the wonderful exclamation by Tiny Tim.

I encourage everyone to listen to and enjoy this classic. A perfect sharing, especially at Christmas time.

This has been in my Audible library since 2012. It is part of my Audio Challenge.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Audible Book Review: The Synchronicity War, Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr

This is slow starting but gets better – with personable AIs to add to the excitement.
The Synchronicity War, Part 1
Written by: Dietmar Wehr
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
Series: The Synchronicity War, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-27-15
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Military
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Be aware that Part 1 has a cliffhanger ending. After almost a century of peaceful exploration and colonization of space, the United Earth Space Force stumbles across a shockingly xenophobic alien race that has more and better armed ships and refuses all attempts at contact. As the outgunned Space Force is driven back in battle after battle in what appears to be a war of extermination, one officer experiences precognitive visions that help him blunt the enemy onslaught, but he can't control or predict when they occur. With the Senior Brass convinced that he's a tactical genius, he's given more and more responsibility and is terrified by the belief that Humanity's Fate will be determined by a battle with himself in overall command.
This is Volume 1 of a military SF series about desperate space battles and the men, women and Artificial Intelligences, who fight and die in them.
©2013 Dietmar Wehr (P)2015 Podium Publishing


Review:
Commander Victor Shiloh is one of seven Frigates out in jump space. One of their own team has gone missing and the squadron leader is going in to investigate. It soon becomes apparent that a ruthless enemy is destroying ships at will with no contact or warning.

Shiloh begins to have visions of movements to take that become true after the fact. These appear to be instinctive, if not skilled, tactical moves. He can’t go to his superiors to tell them of his visions but it may be tricky to explain some of his actions without revealing the source. His superior wants to move Shiloh up in leadership but Shiloh declines the advancement and is sent off to an AI hanger as punishment. This turns out to have a positive result as Shiloh begins to develop a relationship with the AI team.

The AI units seem to be developing their own personalities – naming themselves and bantering with the humans they interact with. These AIs soon become fiercely involved in the battle preparations. Shiloh’s superior soon realizes that Shiloh is still making important decisions even from the fringes. They reassign him and he continues to face the enemy with limited success – but more success than anyone else.

The first book ends with a terrible cliffhanger. Fortunately, the audible book had the beginning of book two so I got pulled into that. I love the interaction with the AIs and I really enjoy the battle strategy and Shiloh’s personality. The story starts slowly and seems a bit dry until well into the story. Much of the beginning of the book was less than stellar in presentation and I might not have been interested in book two except for the pick up of action near the end of part 1 and the excerpt of part 2 being made available.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is the narrator and I have found him very effective in narrating The Iron Druid series. Sadly, this story is dry well into the midpoint so I think that the lackluster was more the story than the narration. I have not yet decided if I will continue in ebook or audio.

[I had to look up “synchronicity” and that wasn’t totally helpful. The Webster definition is: “the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality —used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung.”]

This has been in my Audible Library since December 2015 and on my Kindle library since 2014. This qualifies for Audio Challenge and Mount TBR.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Audible Book Review: Swarm: Star Force, Book 1, by B. V. Larson

This is an easy listening, action-packed military sci fi.
Swarm: Star Force, Book 1
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
Series: Star Force, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-11
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Earth arms marines with alien technology and builds its first battle fleet! Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there.
A novel of military science fiction by best-selling author B. V. Larson, Swarm is the story of Earth's annexation by an alien empire. Long considered a primitive people on a backwater planet, humanity finds itself in the middle of a war - and faced with extinction.
Battle stations! Listen to another Star Force novel.
©2010 B.V. Larson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Kyle Riggs is a college professor and farmer – until aliens reach into his yard and capture his son. As Kyle scrambles to grab a shotgun and get his daughter into the car for safety, his son’s body is dropped from the sky. Then the alien snake-like arm breaks through the car window to snatch his daughter. A few minutes later his daughter is dropped on his roof. Then they grab him, and Kyle is more than happy to be dragged to the ship so he can shoot the enemy who took his children. Soon Kyle is facing obstacles and passing levels before he realizes he is being tested. Before his anger subsides, and he gets to cope with his grief and guilt, Kyle is caught up in a battle for his life… then a war for his planet. Kyle and other successful fighter/survivors have been recruited by smaller alien ships to be commanders and to help fight against larger ships who plan to strip resources from earth.

Kyle manages to rescue one of the other capture ‘candidates’ so he ends up with a young, curvaceous sidekick which is different than most of the other ships. He hesitates to join the ‘team’ of fighters which makes him one of the rogues. Kyle’s computer science background helps him come up with solutions and tactics which make it clear the other ships need his help as much as he needs them. The Star Force, and especially Kyle and his ship, end up teaming with special earth forces to face the enemy.

Kyle’s character is a little awkward as he goes from a rather normal professor/farmer to a fighter, a strategist and finally a super warrior. He continues being a rogue as he leads by his own initiative despite orders. I liked that he uses his computer thought processes to relate to the ship but his taking over leadership of military forces is a stretch. The female character is a feisty, buxom caricature and it was sort of icky (awkward again) that Kyle was lusting after her shortly after losing his kids. Still, this wasn’t a huge issue and I didn’t let it bother me. The story is fun listening with lots of action. It moves quickly and made me think of a comic super hero scenario (perhaps like Iron Man). I’d be willing to listen to more in the series when I want a fast, fun, military sci fi fix. I recommend this to listeners/readers who are okay with fast-paced, easy action entertainment and are not looking for serious military politics.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a nice job with the voices and energy in the presentation. The story is primary told in first person by Kyle but there are other characters with accents that are done well by Boyett. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

This has been on my Audible shelf since May 2015. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and TBR Challenge.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Audio Book Review: Only Ever You by Rebecca Drake

This is a well written, chilling and emotional suspense!
Only Ever You
Written by: Rebecca Drake
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-22-16
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Audible Link


Description
Three-year-old Sophia Lassiter disappears at the playground only to return after 40 frantic minutes-- but her mother Jill's relief is short lived. Jill is convinced the tiny dots on her daughter's arm are puncture marks. When doctors find no trace of drugs in her system, Jill accepts she won't ever know what happened during her daughter's absence and is simply grateful to have her home safely. Except Sophia isn't safe. Three months later, she disappears again. This time from her bed at home, in the night. Working with the police and the community, Jill and her husband David are desperate to bring their little girl home. They remain hopeful---until information turns up suggesting their daughter was murdered, causing the police to turn their suspicions on the parents. Facing ugly family secrets and heart-rending evidence, Jill is still convinced her daughter is alive. But when the dragnet begins to close around them, Jill realizes the worst: if the police believe she has killed her daughter, that means they aren't out there looking for the real perpetrator. They aren't hunting for Sophie or the person who still has her.


Review:
Jill is a photographer used to taking family photos to commemorate occasions. She also gives her time to take photos of grieving parents as she can share their unique pain of loss. Jill’s husband, David, is an up and coming lawyer working to reach partnership in his firm. They adopted Sophia as a newborn and love her as they would a natural child. Sophia goes missing from a public park but is found at the edge of the woods after a frantic 40-minute search. It seems that Sophia may have chased after a dog but Jill is worried about the pin prick on her arm. The doctors find no evidence of foul play and suggest it might be a bug bite.

Jill becomes even more careful watching her child. One morning she awakens to an unusually quite house and soon discovers that Sophia is not in her bedroom or anywhere in the house. The police begin an investigation and the neighborhood turns out to help in the search. When no kidnapping demand is made and evidence is found that suggest murder the police begin to suspect the parents. Innocent statements expressing normal parental frustrations are turned into negative and ominous threats. Then secrets are disclosed that create further suspicion, even between Jill and David. Jill is still focused on finding Sophia but the police are now focusing on her.

As the tension at home builds, the author weaves in scenes showing the actions of the deranged kidnapper. Slowly a connection is revealed that ties in some unexpected players. The mystery suddenly leaps into a suspenseful evasion from police while racing to save Sophia from threats fueled by betrayal and secrets.

I enjoyed the alternating points of view showing Jill’s emotional upheaval and the kidnapper’s unhinged intent. The reaction and responsive behaviors of arrogant colleagues and friends, as well as strangers, is sadly horrifying. Ms. Drake creates real to life characters that the reader/listener can relate to. The pacing was good and the twists kept me glued. Although I suspected an important element early in the story, the author built in red herrings and twists that kept the suspense increasing until the end. I recommend this to readers who enjoy emotional and chilling suspense.

Audio Notes: Eva Kaminsky does a very good job with the narration. I was impressed how she brings the characters alive. The adept voicing and energy fit the suspense of the story. The narration helped make this a gripping experience.


I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and O in Alphabet Challenge.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia

This is fun series with lots of monsters and hunters.
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-04-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Monster Hunter International might be the premier monster eradication company in the business, but they’ve got competition.
When hunters from around the world gather in Las Vegas for a conference, a creature left over from a World War Two weapons experiment wakes up and goes on a rampage across the desert. A not-so-friendly wager between the rival companies turns into a race to see who can bag the mysterious creature first. Only there is far more to this particular case than meets the eye, and as Hunters fall prey to their worst nightmares, Owen Zastava Pitt and the staff of Monster Hunter International have to stop an ancient god from turning Sin City into a literal hell on earth.
©2012 Larry Correia (P)2012 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Owen “Big Z” Pitt, Earl Harbinger, Julie, Milo, Holly, Trip, Skippy the orc and more of the Monster Hunter International (MHI) crew are in Las Vegas for the first International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals. There are teams of hunters from all over the world and at first there is a sense of competition, especially from some of the newer, upstart companies. Earl and the team suspect that there is increased monster activity and they begin to circulate to see what they can find out from other teams. As they begin to share notes Earl and Julie meet with other teams to negotiate a new era of sharing information.

The hunters are interrupted by an invitation to a special meeting where they are given an assignment with a huge puff bounty to the first team to eliminate the threat. The assignment comes from a secret government official who is no friend of Earl’s. The teams are off and running for the competition. Earl isn’t so quick to rush off as he doesn’t trust the official and is angry that the man has control over Earl’s girlfriend for another year.

Z and his team get to the monster site by means of Skippy’s patched up helicopter. Still they are second behind the German team so they only get the assist in a rather easy kill. But a few clues indicate that something isn’t quite as it seems. Everyone returns to the hotel to party and rest but Julie is awakened by misgivings in the middle of the night. They step down the hall to screams and an alternate dimension of monsters. Now the true battle begins against a secret weapon from WWII who is seeking revenge and power.

The upstart Paranormal Tactical group make for fun teasing and trouble to kick off the action. I liked the new ally Z meets as well as all the old friends. Mordacai and other characters from earlier books make appearances trying to help Z. Even Z’s brother, Mosh, gets recruited to help save the world…again. I like the growth shown in the characters – Z still gets in trouble but he is trying to be more responsible. And he is taking his role as “the Chosen” more seriously.

This series is so much fun. There are a variety of monsters and of course the usual impressive armament. There are several good twists and details in this episode which continues to build to the threatened big war. The book does have some rough language but it zips by in the action moments. I recommend this to readers who like monsters and want a fun series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a fabulous job with the character voices from men, women, orcs, and monster creatures. I have listened to the four books so far and will definitely continue with the audible versions.

By the way - The first book in the series is available for free at Kindle!
Monster Hunter International (Monster Hunters International Book 1)

This was in my TBR and saved for Sci Fi month. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audio Challenge and M in Alphabet Challenge.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Audio Book Review: Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave

This is a gripping suspense thriller
Five Minutes Alone
By Paul Cleave
Narrated By Paul Ansdell
UNABRIDGED
Series: Theodore Tate, Book 4
Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins
Release Date: 04-26-16
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
There's a common plea detectives get from the loved ones of victims: When you find the person who did this, give me five minutes alone with them. And that's exactly what someone is doing. Someone is helping these victims get their five minutes alone.
When the body of a convicted rapist is found, the detectives try to determine if this is murder or suicide. The following night two more rapists go missing. It's hard to investigate when everyone on the police force seems to be rooting for the killer. But when innocent people start to die, two detectives find themselves with different objectives, and soon they're battling something they never would've expected: each other.
©2014 Paul Cleave (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC


Review:
Detective Inspector Theodore Tate has recently come back on the force after a suspension and an injury that left him in a coma. He has his own sorrows at home as he and his wife are still grieving the death of their young daughter by a drunk driver. Although three years has passed, Tate’s wife is unable to stay in reality and accept their daughter’s death. But personal troubles can’t keep Tate home when murder comes calling.

Tate gets the call from his partner, Rebecca Kent, advising that a recently released rapist has been found on the railway tracks. Although this death might be a suicide, there are some details that don’t fit. Tate and Kent agree that the world is better with this man dead, but they suspect foul play. Unfortunately, the first suspect is the young woman who was brutally assaulted and raped by the dead man. When they visit her at home she responds reasonably but Tate finds clues that he doesn’t share right away. Even if she was involved, she would have had to have help.

Soon there are more deaths involving other criminals. No one will miss these miscreants but that doesn’t mean the police can ignore the crimes. It appears there is a vigilante killer and some clues make them suspect that a police officer may be involved. Tate and Kent are a good team working to unravel the mysteries while providing emotional support for each other.

I have never thought I would want ‘five minutes alone’ to confront someone who hurt a person that I loved, but, thank goodness I have never been in that position. I know many people, particularly men, who have threatened violence if someone hurt their spouse or children. That is the premise of this book and it is interesting how different victims respond when offered the opportunity to hurt the men who hurt them or their loved ones.

The vigilante who is giving this opportunity is an interesting character. He starts as a person who has lost all sense of living until he hears that a former criminal is out on parole and back in the neighborhood. Slowly his involvement with the criminals and victims brings him a new purpose, even though he feels some guilt and anger as he knows what he is doing is not legal. He continues partially seeking redemption and partly because he figures he is living on borrowed time anyway.

The story is told in alternating voices which I found worked well. Tate speaks in first person when he is active in a scene while other scenes are told in third person. Mr. Cleave does a good job developing the characters and sharing their inner conflicts as they weigh legal right and wrong, and legal justice against private justice. There is some violence woven in the twisting plot. I admit I began to worry that the story would not end well for Tate. I won’t say more except that there were more twists and a suitable, if not fully satisfying, ending. (Of course it’s hard to have a HEA for a murder thriller!)

The pacing and details of the story made it move along well even though it is more police investigation than chase and action. There is plenty of suspense and I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy this genre. This was fine as a standalone as I hadn’t read any of the prior books in the series. I would like to read more by Mr. Cleave.


Audio Notes: Paul Ansdell does a spot on job with narration. He manages to convey the pathos, anguish, anger and doubt that run through the story. His accent fits the setting and characters and makes for an enjoyable listen experience.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It adds to my Audio Challenge.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Audible Book Review: FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems by Kevin Morris

This is an interesting (short story) portrayal of human situation.
FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems
 Kevin Morris (Author)
Matthew McConaughey (Narrator)
Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 18 minutes
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
Audible.com Release Date: August 4, 2015
Language: English
ASIN: B0108KDKZ8
Genre: Short Story, Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


"Summer Farmer", the first short story in White Man's Problems, sets the stage for the honest and heartfelt themes explored in Morris' debut collection. The meeting of two disparate strangers serves as a cleverly crafted examination of the universality of longing, remorse, and purpose.


Review:
“Summer Farmer” is just one short story in White Man’s Problems. The story addresses the daily ‘grind’ and depression of a businessman as he travels to work in Los Angeles. The protagonist, Harrigan, has lost a daughter to leukemia. In his grief he looks around the busy city and sees the glitter which isn’t important. He thinks about his past, where he came from and where he has come to.

The story gets an extra touch when Harrigan meets an elevator repairman who mirrors his sadness as he too has lost a daughter. Here, the author ties two strangers who share more in the basics of life than they could realize.

The story has a poignancy that I liked. I think the full collection would share similar glimpses that show a common thread among men.

Audio Notes: Matthew McConaughey has a slow, subtle speech presentation. This fit the story’s tone and subtle message. I enjoyed the story and its presentation.

I downloaded this free at Audible 8/17/15. It qualifies for Mount TBR challenge and Audio Challenge.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Audio Book Review: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

This is a wonderful Christian historical romance.
The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-04-16
Publisher: Books & Such Literary Agency
Genre: Historical Romance, American Revolution
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own - some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him? Listeners will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse listeners in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.
©2011 Laura Frantz (P)2016 Laura Frantz


Review:
Roxanna lost her mother to illness and her fiancĂ© to another woman. She manages to travel during 1779 through the dangers of war torn Virginia to the Kentucky fort where her father is serving as scrivener. Along the way she is joined by a handful of less than upright women, with a mute young girl, who have decided they need to find another town. When Roxanna arrives at the fort she soon learns that her father has died in the field, leaving her destitute. Colonel Cassius McLinn was with Roxanna’s father when he gave his dying request that the Colonel take care of his daughter. It is too late in the year to travel so the commander hires Roxanna as the new scrivener.

Roxanna tries hard not to be attracted to the too handsome Colonel. especially since she doesn’t think a man like him could be interested in a spinster like her. The Colonel has secrets that he knows will devastate Roxanna if she ever finds out. He tries to maintain his distance but he finds himself drawn to her deep-seated faith and kindness. A kindness that might be able to forgive him for the darkest of actions.

Roxanna discovers her father’s diary that reveals a danger to the Colonel and the fort in the form of a traitorous spy. Meanwhile they must cope with enemy Indians and the nearing battle with the British Army led by none other than the Colonel’s bitter and estranged twin.

I liked Roxanna’s character from beginning to end. She has passion, spunk and courage sustained by her unwavering faith. The Colonel is a strong man with demons to fight. Their romantic resistance, conflict and misunderstandings are handled beautifully amid a story that shows day to day life on the dangerous American frontier. The writing is straight forward, smooth and moves quickly. Ms. Frantz weaves strong but quiet messages of faith in an action-packed plot. The story shares moments of sorrow, fear, joy, grace and love. There is a great blend of historical detail, action and romance. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance. I will definitely seek to read more by this author.

Audio Notes: Laura Jennings does a lovely job with the narration. She manages both the female and male voices as well as subtle English and Irish accents. The tone is unusually hushed but that fit the tone and setting of the story. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Audible Book Review: Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This has SEP’s touch for distinct characters but a Gothic, darker tone to it.
Heroes Are My Weakness
Written by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-26-14
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Contemporary Romance (with Gothic tone)
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Deepest winter.
An isolated island off the coast of Maine.
A man.
A woman.
Puppets. (Yes, puppets…)
And…
A mysterious house looming over the sea…
He's a reclusive writer whose imagination creates chilling horror novels. She's a down-on-her-luck actress reduced to staging kids' puppet shows. He knows a dozen ways to kill his characters with his bare hands. She knows a dozen ways to kill an audience with laughs. But she's not laughing now.
Annie Hewitt has arrived on Peregrine Island in the middle of a snowstorm and at the end of her resources. She's broke, dispirited, but not quite ready to give up. Her red suitcases hold the puppets she uses to make her living: sensible Dilly, spunky Scamp, and Leo, the baddest of bad guys. Her puppets, the romantic novels she loves, and a little bit of courage are all she has left.
Annie couldn't be more ill prepared for what she finds when she reaches Moonraker Cottage or for the man who dwells in Harp House, the mysterious mansion that hovers above the cottage from a windblown cliff. When she was a teenager, he betrayed her in a way she can never forget or forgive. Now they're trapped together on a frozen island along with a lonely widow, a mute little girl, and townspeople who don't know how to mind their own business.
Is he the villain she remembers or has he changed? Her head says no. Her heart says yes.
It's going to be a long, hot winter.
©2014 Susan Elizabeth Phillips (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers


Review:
Annie is greatly discouraged. She has lost her flighty and critical mother whom she cared for during her last year of illness. All her mother left was a pile of debt and a deathbed whisper that Annie will find her legacy at the cottage on Peregrine Island. Annie has also suffered rejection from a broken engagement. She has retreated to the Island with only her beloved puppets to give her support while she rests and regains her footing.

Arriving in a storm Annie is startled by a man on a dark horse racing through the snow. She soon learns the man is none other than her childhood crush, the handsome but brooding Theo. Not only did Theo break Annie’s young heart when he spurned her after they became close friends one summer but he tormented her and almost got her killed. Theo has suffered his own heartaches. He and his twin sister were abandoned by their mother. The twins were inseparable until strange problems developed in their teen years, ultimately resulted in his sister’s death. Now he broods in his dark lonely, Gothic house, and writes horror thrillers with a particularly dark villain.

Annie discovers another childhood friend who has her own crush on Theo. Jaci is working as Theo’s housekeeper at Harp House. She is finding the job difficult with a mute child and a broken leg. Someone is harassing Annie and trying to drive her off the Island, adding the Gothic type mystery. She gets some rather questionable help from her mixed group of puppet alter egos and, of course Theo steps up to try to protect her.

I usually enjoy SEP’s distinct characters and the conflicts and obstacles they overcome on the journey to their HEA. These characters were a little difficult to enjoy for a good part of the book. If the reader perseveres the story finally gets to a place where Annie begins to appreciate her own strengths and to recognize the truths about Theo. Even so, it takes patience to put up with Annie’s strange multi-character and a true romantic to see behind the dark, moody character that Theo initially presents.

SEP romances are often fun and delightful, even with down on their luck heroines and cocky, handsome heroes. This one is not light but goes through a lot of despondency and darkness before Annie determines she can make it on her own and Theo gets to be a hero. I did like the ending but it was not a delight getting there. Readers might note that ratings run from 1 star to 5 so it may depend on the reader’s mood and expectations. Do not pick this up expecting the usual SEP light fun. On the other hand, SEP does deliver distinct characters and an engaging, if darker, gothic-type story. I didn’t love it but I came to appreciate it.

Audio Notes: Fortunately, this story has a different tone so I think it was easier to get used to the voices of Erin Bennett. Erin does a good job distinguishing the characters, even the several puppet voices. Erin’s presentation conveyed the tones of the characters and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this one from my Audible Library (2014) to listen to for Audio Challenge, Mount TBR and "H" in Alphabet Challenge.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

This is a light, fun Regency Romance by an author I really enjoy.
What Happens in London
Written by: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
Series: Bevelstoke, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-09
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security.
He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .
©2009 Julie Cotler Pottinger; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers


Review:
Olivia is a young beauty who hasn’t been interested by the men who have sought her out during her first season. She becomes interested in her neighbor when her friends share a rumor that he murdered his fiancĂ©e. Olivia argues against their unsupported suspicions but that doesn’t deter her own curiosity. From her bedroom window on the second floor, she begins to watch Sir Harry through his study window on the first floor. She observes some odd, if not nefarious, behavior until she is embarrassed that Sir Harry has seen her through the window.

Sir Harry is annoyed by the young woman who has ‘spied’ on him for a week. He even created some scenes for her benefit. When they meet at a ton event, there is quick distrust and animosity between them. Harry is not a spy but he does Russian translations for the government office. He is asked to watch and report on activities of the Russian Prince whose actions in London are suspect and who has taken an interest in Olivia. Over several days, Harry and Olivia begin to share reading a book and conversation through their windows. Harry soon feels compelled to protect Olivia from any advances by the experienced Prince. Although their friendship is growing, Harry hasn’t shared his Russian background with Olivia. Olivia gets caught in a kidnapping scheme and Harry and the Russian bodyguard race to the rescue. Olivia has suffered the trauma of being kidnapped but now she realizes that Harry had ulterior motives for paying any attention to her. Will he be able to get her to talk to him again, much less trust him?

Listening to this reminded me that I have always enjoyed the likeable characters and conflicts that Julia Quinn creates. Quinn shares a good dose of humor and the unorthodox friendship and unacknowledged courtship between Harry and Olivia is fun to follow. There are secrets building to obvious conflict but getting to the HEA is entertaining. There is sensuality with one particular sexual encounter which isn’t overly graphic. I recommend this book and author to readers who enjoy Regency Historical Romances.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor does a fine job with the narration. She conveys the light heartedness of Olivia and the more serious character of Harry with equal ease. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

This was in my Audible library since 2012. It qualifies for Audio and Mount TBR Challenges as well as "W" for Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Audible Book Review: Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde

This is crazy fun listening - makes me chuckle and smile.
Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel
Written by: Jasper Fforde
Narrated by: Emily Gray
Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
Series: Thursday Next Novels, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-08-11
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Alternate History
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Intrepid literary detective Thursday Next is back in the second installment of Jasper Fforde's one-of-a-kind series. The inventive, exuberant, and totally original literary fun that began with The Eyre Affair continues with Jasper Fforde’s magnificent second adventure starring the resourceful, fearless literary sleuth Thursday Next.
When Landen, the love of her life, is eradicated by the corrupt multinational Goliath Corporation, Thursday must moonlight as a Prose Resource Operative of Jurisfiction—the police force inside books. She is apprenticed to the man-hating Miss Havisham from Dickens’s Great Expectations, who grudgingly shows Thursday the ropes. And she gains just enough skill to get herself in a real mess entering the pages of Poe’s "The Raven".
What she really wants is to get Landen back. But this latest mission is not without further complications.
Along with jumping into the works of Kafka and Austen, and even Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, Thursday finds herself the target of a series of potentially lethal coincidences, the authenticator of a newly discovered play by the Bard himself, and the only one who can prevent an unidentifiable pink sludge from engulfing all life on Earth.
Delve into Jasper Fforde's literary universe with the other books in his Thursday Next fantasy/detective series.
©2011 Jasper Fforde (P)2011 Penguin Audiobooks


Review:
Thursday Next is a spunky literary detective working for Spec Ops (Special Operations) in an alternate London. Thursday won notoriety in her successful investigation in Book 1, The Eyre Affair, when she took down a prime criminal, Hades. Thursday is dodging the division’s publicist who keeps seeking her presence for promotions.

During an investigation, Thursday is caught in a time slip that involves her with Neanderthals, who have been recreated and trapped as civil slaves. A second loop indicates that Thursday is the target of an assassin. Thursday’s father is fully aware of time jumps and time slips as he was a “Chronoguard” officer who went rogue and lives in an alternate timeline while trying to prove corruption in the system. He is willing to help Thursday but needs her help to prevent the eminent destruction of the world from a strange pink goo.

Meanwhile Thursday is also facing threats from the corrupt corporate giant, Goliath. Goliath’s leader has a step-brother who was trapped by Thursday in Poe’s The Raven. Now the leader has ‘eradicated’ Thursday's husband, Landon. He is blackmailing Thursday to show him how to get into the literary library world to rescue his step brother.

The prior portal to the literary realm was opened by Thursday’s uncle, a prolific inventor. Now it has been closed and Thursday doesn’t realize she can get to the realm without the portal until she is cornered. She finds herself in the world of Dicken’s Great Expectations where she becomes the apprentice to Miss Havisham. She is assigned to help with the internal police force, the Prose Resource Operative of Jurisfiction. During her tasks Thursday ventures into the worlds of Kafka, Jane Austen, and even Beatrix Potter. She makes enemies and friends of the Neanderthals who have been recreated and trapped as civil slaves.

If all of that sounds rather crazy, it is – zany, crazy fun especially for those of us bibliophiles who are familiar with the classic authors and works that make up part of the stories’ adventures. It had been a while since I read The Eyre Affair but I remembered that it was fun listening. As I began this story it took me only a few minutes to remember the characters and get back into the fast-paced, comical stream of Thursday’s world. I love her unique pet, Pickwick, a dodo bird. The author melds literary characters with a rather fantastical world of strange, and sometimes corrupt, police procedures.

I recommend this series to readers who want to enjoy light, fun, literature name-dropping entertainment. I will be picking up Book 3, The Well of Lost Plots: A Thursday Next Novel, for future listening fun.

Audio Notes: Emily Gray does a wonderful job narrating this craziness. Her tone conveys a perfect flighty atmosphere to enhance the characters and dialogue. Although I am sure this is fun in print, for me it is a hoot in audio.

This selection is from my Audible library picked up in August, 2012. It qualifies for TBR Mountain, Audio Book Challenge and "L" in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

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